System and method for detecting a fault condition in a compressor

US8904814B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bristol Compressors International, LLC · US

Inventors

• John W. Tolbert, Jr. · Bristol, US
• Bruce Moody · Kingsport, US
• Jerry D. Edwards · Bristol, US
• David Gilliam · Bristol, US
• Eugene Chumley · Bristol, US
• Richard C. Denzau · Bristol, US
• Scott Hix · Bristol, US
• Justin Toner · Kingsport, US
• Mark Trent · Bristol, US
• Tim M. Wampler · Elizabethton, US
• John R. Williams · Tyler, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 29, 2009
• Grant date: Dec 9, 2014
• Expiry date: Feb 18, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F04B2203/0209
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A system and method for determining a fault condition in a compressor is provided. The current of a motor drive powering the compressor and the outdoor ambient temperature are measured and used to determine if a fault condition or a potential fault condition is present in the compressor. If a fault condition is determined to be present, the compressor can be shutdown to avoid damage to the compressor. If a potential fault condition is determined, remedial action can be taken to attempt to prevent the fault condition from occurring and shutting down the compressor.